M is for Money: An Economics Alphabet

by Michael Shoulders, Debbie Shoulders, Marty Kelley (Illustrator)

This alphabet book brings the topic of economics down to a child's level, using tangible examples and scenarios to explain complex ideas. M is for Money uses snappy rhymes and expository text to introduce subjects ranging from supply and demand to taxes. Dynamic and witty artwork brings each topic to life.

Genres: Picture Books, Money, Economics

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2015

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

With fun and engaging, snappy rhymes, Michael and Debbie Shoulders’ M is for Money: An Economics Alphabet is really only an alphabet book in name, as the format chosen is for all intents and purposes just utilised to present relevant information and details about basic and not so basic economics and finance in the guise, in the costume of the former. Therefore, the alphabet book type and style are in this case not really in any way meant for children to learn and practice their letters, but to present, to elaborate on the main, the essential elements of basic financial literacy in a fun, playful, but at the same time informative manner and fashion. Younger children (from about the age of five to nine, as the themes, the financial details featured in M is for Money: An Economics Alphabet are definitely and in my opinion a bit too advanced for toddlers) will probably most enjoy the generally fun, flowing and often rollicking rhymes of each of the twenty-six "letters" (experiencing, joining in poetic fun and games whilst also learning the basic tenets of finance, economics, money), but older children, even perhaps up to young teenagers will likely get more enjoyment and much essential learning from the detailed supplemental explanations that accompany each of the different letter specific rhymes. But personally, I do very much appreciate the fact that while the individual poetry offerings of M is for Money: An Economics Alphabet are by nature and necessity simple and short, they also ALWAYS feature a more than adequate amount relevant financial information (not as much as the supplemental explanations, of course, but that is what supplemental information is meant to be, additional, generally increasingly complex details and explanations). And another and for me rather majorly important advantage of M is for Money: An Economics Alphabet is that unlike with many informational alphabet books, the supplemental details actually accompany the alphabet, letter rhymes and are not relegated to the back of the book as an appendix (and if only authors Michael and Debbie Shoulders had also included a bibliography with suggestions for further reading and research, I would have been perfectly happy with the text, with the narrative, with the information featured and described). As to Marty Kelley's bright and lively accompanying illustrations, while they do for the most part work well enough and in tandem with the authors’ written text, with Michael and Debbie Shoulders' fun and engaging verses, I really cannot and will not consider them as all that much to my personal taste (they are far too cartoon-like for me, and especially the facial expressions depicted often seem overly exaggerated, with widely gaping, smiling countenances that seem unnatural, even potentially creepy). And while I do much appreciate the easy and yes, natural multi-ethnic feel of Kelley's illustrations, I simply do not like them all that much as pictures in and of themselves, and this to such an extent that they at times did and do prove a trifle distracting (taking my attention away from the narrative to such an extent that while I do highly recommend M is for Money: An Economics Alphabet, I can and will only consider three stars).

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that explains all sorts of economics issues clearly. The info is presented both in short poems and in much more detailed sidebars. I liked the cartoon illustrations; I thought they were kind of cute. I got a kick out of the "F" / free market illustration: one child is selling chocolate chip cookies and has a long line, while the other child is selling Lima beans on a stick and has no line. This is not an alphabet book for learning one's letters; the alphabet is more of a vehicle in which to present the information about various economics issues and is best suited for elementary and older students. Even I learned a lot from the sidebar information!

[Danielle Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has two levels of learning. There is the basic meanings of the words or concepts, simplified to four line descriptions that everyone can understand. Then on the page is a longer, more in-depth description of the concept. This book was fun and educational for the 2-4 year olds I read it to but the 5-7 year olds got excited to go back over it and learn more about the topic. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to teach (or remember) basic economics the way money works.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in rhyme with additional information in the sidebars, this is a great introduction to economics. It covers a variety of topics, at least briefly. Producers and consumers, goods and services, wants versus needs, budgeting, debt, oligarchies, resources, and other topics are all examined.

I could definitely use this in my classroom but there is a lot of information presented so I would most likely read it in several sittings and definitely there would need to be more information given on the topics I want students to master.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Understanding economics isn't easy, but this alphabet book makes it a lot easier for young readers by breaking down concepts into bite-size chunks. Teh discussion starts with abundance and ends with zero profit condition with stops on goods and services, quota, and resources along the way. Each letter and topic gets a paragraph or two devoted to an explanation. Even adults could learn a thing or two from this title.

[SamZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested that my library purchase this book and they finally did. I'm so glad! This book is both adorable and awesome. I love the details that are not only relative to kids but also pertinent. This book has the typical A-Z items, but each has a great rhyme that gives useful information. Also included on each page are a few supplemental paragraphs that teach further about the concept. And some of the things even I learned (Zero Profit Condition)!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I checked out the book from my local library online through Hoopla and instantly decided that it was one I had to have for the classroom. This could easily be used for 3rd grade and up through middle school.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a picture book for kids with more advanced definitions, kinda awkward.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an older kid audience but we'll written and good kid/entry level descriptions

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book on my son's lesson plan during his computer time homework. I'm glad that there are books out there that teach children at a young age about money and economics.